An ultrasound would be recommended to diagnose various conditions, monitor the effectiveness of your current treatment, or evaluate the stability of previous procedures, like angioplasty and stenting for a blocked artery. Ultrasound services available at CN Internal Medicine include: Carotid ultrasound A carotid ultrasound evaluates blood flow through the arteries in your neck that supply blood to the brain. Narrowing of the carotid arteries, often caused by plaque buildup, dramatically increases your risk of stroke. Echocardiogram (echo) An echocardiogram assesses your heart health and function. Your provider might suggest an echo to diagnose or monitor heart failure, valvular disease, or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). The study also measures blood flow through the heart chambers. It might be recommended if you’re experiencing shortness of breath, decreased exercise tolerance, or an increased number of palpitations. Thyroid ultrasound A thyroid ultrasound can identify cysts, nodules, and tumors affecting thyroid function and is often used to clarify abnormal lab tests and confirm the presence of a palpable thyroid lump. Arterial and venous ultrasound Arterial and venous ultrasounds, also called vascular ultrasounds, check blood flow through the veins and arteries in your lower extremities. Your provider would recommend this study for symptoms like persistent leg and foot swelling, cramping calf pain with exercise (claudication), and an increased number of varicose veins.

During an ultrasound, you lie comfortably on an exam table as a trained technician passes a small hand-held device (transducer) over the area under study. Sound waves emitted by the transducer pass harmlessly through the skin and bounce (echo) off tissue structures. The transducer captures the echoes and transmits them to a nearby computer, which creates and records images for your physician’s review. Most ultrasounds take 30-60 minutes, depending on the type. Schedule a visit at CN Internal Medicine today. Call the office or request an appointment online.